How to Make a Plastic Two Liter Bottle Into a Bird Nest

cbgrfx123; Flicker.com

Cavity-nesting birds, such as bluebirds, woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees and owls, look for nesting sites that are enclosed, with a small hole to enter and leave the nest. A plastic 2-liter bottle can be recycled to create a birdhouse for cavity-nesting birds.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Plastic 2-liter bottle
Spray paint
Scissors
Florist wire
Nail
Hammer
Nesting supplies

Step 1

Puncture the side of the bottle with the sharp end of a pair of scissors, then cut a hole into the side of the of the bottle. The size of the hole will determine the types of birds that are attracted to the birdhouse. Make the hole 3 inches in diameter to attract a screech owl, 2 inches to attract a redheaded woodpecker, 1 1/8 inch to attract a chickadee or 1 inch to attract a wren.

Step 2

Paint the bottle a dark color to keep out light. Use a spray paint made for use on plastics, such as Krylon Fusion, or another paint that adheres to plastic. Let paint dry.

Step 3

Wrap florist wire around the the neck of the bottle several times, then make a loop in the end of the wire.

Step 4

Hang the bottle outside in a tree with the hole facing away from the wind and where it is protected from strong southern exposure. Hammer the nail into the tree and use the loop in the florist wire to hang the nest on the nail. Make sure the nest is secure.

Step 5

Leave nesting supplies, such as dried grass, cut plant stems, short pieces of yarn, cotton balls, dryer lint and wood shavings, where they can easily be spotted to encourage birds to build nearby.

Tips & Warnings

Late winter is the best time to hang birdhouses. Cavity-nesters begin hunting for houses as early as January or February.

Make sure the birdhouse is secure and can't be tipped by a strong wind or predators, such as cats and raccoons.

Resources

Article Written By Jamie Hobbs

Jamie Hobbs graduated from Central Washington University with a BAed. She has been writing for Demand Studios and Suite 101 since 2008. Mrs. Hobbs work has also been printed in Yakima Family Times.

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